Community

Travis County Employees Getting Shaved

On December 3, 2013, at 10:30am, Travis County Sheriff’s Employees who participated in the November Event will be part of a shave off at the Travis County Sheriff’s Training Academy, 3614 Bill Price Road.

The Sheriff’s Office hosted a November Challenge allowing employees to grow beards and goatees during the month of November to raise money and awareness for testicular cancer. 377 employees participated and raised more than $7700.00 for the Testicular Cancer Foundation.

The recipient of this challenge, Matt Ferstler, founder and CEO of the Testicular Cancer Foundation said, “I’m grateful the Travis County Sheriff’s Office wanted to partner with us. Our mission is awareness, education, and support and this challenge did just that.” Ferstler, a testicular cancer survivor himself, fully understands the reluctance of young men to seek help.Testicular Cancer is the number one cancer in young men ages 15 to 35.

According to Ferstler, a self-exam can help detect some of the often overlooked signs of testicular cancer including a lump, hardness or swelling - which many times are not accompanied with any pain. If detected early, however, the chance of survival exceeds 95%.Based in Austin, Texas, the Testicular Cancer Foundation provides educational materials - including shower cards with easy-to-understand information on monthly self-exams - throughout the country. For more information on visit www.tcancer.org.Note: Interviews available at the Shave Off from Sheriff and Mr. Ferstler as well as participants.###Roger WadeSenior Public Information OfficerTravis County Sheriff’s OfficeOffice 512-854-4986Pager 512-935-1162